Name/Title
Japanese Edo Jidai Kuruma NagamochiEntry/Object ID
MK_0189Description
Discover the Japanese Edo period through this grand Nagamochi (chest), painted in a rich, brown lacquer. This imposing piece features a secure lid adorned with large iron lock plates, accompanied by robust iron straps and handles on its sides.
The chest's sleek, lacquered surface exudes a timeless elegance, a testament to the precise artistry and craftsmanship of its time. The Edo period, characterized by a flourishing urban economy and the patronage of the merchant class, witnessed a cultural renaissance. In an atmosphere of peace, learning, art, and literature thrived, giving rise to new forms of artisanship. Tansu and Nagamochi, like this one, emerged as one of the prime innovations of the period, reflecting the concurrent evolution of woodworking trades during the period.
Now, part of the Mauna Kea’s large collection of Edo and Meiji-period Japanese storage vessels, this piece has forgotten its functionality, instead decoratively adorning our corridors. Its presence here both speaks to the historical evolution of Japanese craftsmanship, and invites viewers to consider where purpose and artistry meet.
This treasured piece has been in the Mauna Kea's collection since 1965, when Laurance Rockefeller developed the hotel, and has recently undergone an extensive restoration.Made/Created
Date made
1615 - 1868Place
Country
JapanContinent
AsiaDimensions
Height
31 inWidth
31 inLength
71 inLocation
Area
Promenade CorridorFloor
Promenade LevelBuilding
Main TowerRoom
Kamani RoomBuilding
HBR Main TowerRoom
Kamani RoomBuilding
HBR Main TowerFloor
5th FloorBuilding
Main Tower